Glengate Hall, a derelict 19th century building in Angus, has been transformed into new affordable homes for rent.

The hall, located in Kirriemuir, lain empty and derelict for a number of years. It was also placed onto the Buildings at Risk register, but a redevelopment project was made possible due to a £225,000 investment from the Scottish Government's Empty Homes Loan Fund.

The money was used to convert the building into nine flats. These will be made available as affordable housing for rent for 10 years.

Additional funding for the project came from Historic Scotland, who provided £150,000 through its Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess welcomed the completed development and said: "Glengate Hall is the most significant single building to be refurbished with the aid of the Empty Homes Loan Fund.

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"Thanks to the efforts of a number of organisations, including Angus Council, Historic Scotland, and the developer Redford Homes, the supply of affordable housing has been boosted within Kirriemuir.

"The Empty Homes Loan Fund is one of a number of measures this Government is taking to tackle the problem of empty homes in Scotland's communities, and is part of our efforts to deliver at least 30,000 new homes over the lifetime of this Parliament."

Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, added: "This is a shining example of what can be achieved by working together across different sectors, and I'm delighted to see empty homes funding and conservation money being used to create affordable housing units in this remarkable building.

"It will have a big and positive impact on the local area, and provide much needed one and two-bed affordable homes."

The completion of Glengate Hall's refurbishment comes as the Scottish Government considers changing the conditions attached to the Empty Loans Home Fund. The amendment would allow owners to access funding to refurbish the property, before putting it up for sale on the open market. This would build on the current conditions, where funding is offered to refurbish the property for affordable rent.

(JP/MH)